Archive for month: February, 2010

Signaling deeping troubles in Dubai, Select Group, the developer of the France and Spain islands on The World, has recently confirmed that it is amending the design of its project and that the number of residential units is likely to be reduced by around 40 percent. “We are in the middle of changing the design to suit the market conditions,” Rahail Aslan, CEO of Select Group, told Arabian Business . “We have reduced the density and made it more attractive ” he added. The France and Spain islands were launched by Select Group in 2008 and are collectively known as Acquitainia

Honduras is one of the hottest regions on the island market, particularly among those who want a Caribbean island, without paying Caribbean prices on of the most interesting development in Honduras right now is Lime Cay. The current offer includes both an impressive sea side estate and a private island. The estate known as Villa Royale, is a unique, sprawling property, offering the perfect vacation rental for family gatherings, corporate retreats, weddings, and diving/exploration groups. Truly amazing, the 12,000 square foot villa contains seven acres of lush tropical gardens, charming courtyards, breathtaking vistas of the Caribbean, beautiful beaches, and a private island

I remember when a simple floating building was the avant guard of design. Now engineers are pushing the limits with even more outrageous designs. Can you imagine living in a high-rise apartment building where the 360 degree views are of fish and saltwater? Although still just a concept, this upside-down, underwater eco-skyscraper (say that five times fast!) could be the future of building, especially if sea levels rise and we are forced to spend our lives living on floating islands. Designed by Victoria BC-based firm Zigaloo the Gyre is a floating eco development meant to be both a research station as well as an off shore resort complete with shops, restaurants, gardens and recreation.

A realization of a dream and years of planning Ratua Island resort has officially opened in Vanuatu. Ratua is an exclusive island retreat within the Vanuatu archipelago in the South Pacific offering travelers a rare chance to escape from the modern world. Like many high end island resorts the resort focuses on sustainability. However, Ratua is unique in that 100% of its profits will be donated to surrounding island communities, supporting hospital construction and educational and cultural projects. In fact, Ratua’s model of ethical and ecological tourism is the beginning of what will lead to a completely self-sustained retreat, while preserving better quality of life.

Island purchase opportunities in St Vincent and the Grenadines are rare, therefore when one comes on the market I feel it’s important to share it with you all. Petit Nevis is a beautiful 71 acre private island. There is a natural harbor in front of the island that is frequented by the many yachts that cruise through the Grenadines each year. The island is unoccupied and perfect for commercial development.

Luxury Living on Australia’s Premier Island Destination Set amid the magnificent Great Barrier Reef, Hayman is Australia’s premier private island destination. Rising from turquoise tropical waters, with a sweeping view out to the Coral Sea, the forested hills of this epic island rest atop a bed of ancient coral – part of one of the natural wonders of the world. Surrounded by sparkling beaches fringed in coral and covered in lush tropical grounds, the iconic 5-star resort has been offering the world uniquely luxurious experiences for almost 60 years – it’s no wonder that many guests have longed to have a piece of Hayman’s paradise for their own. For the first time, that dream can now be a reality – designed by renowned architect Kerry Hill, private residences are now being offered in secluded enclaves of the island. Spectacular luxury homes will be set against Hayman’s richly forested hillside, affording broad views of the magnificent Whitsunday Passage – or for a closer view of the crystal-clear surrounding waters, located by an impressive marina with a superyacht mooring facility.